The Young People’s Guild (YPG) at the Gethsemane Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Achimota, has urgently called on the government to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2462, officially known as the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations 2022.
This appeal follows the devastating effects of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, across the country.
L.I. 2462 is a legislative instrument in Ghana that allows for mining activities within forest reserves under certain conditions, permitting mining if deemed in the national interest.
Speaking during Channel One TV’s ‘I Stand Against Galamsey Campaign’ on Monday, the President of the Gethsemane YPG, Rufus Attiso, emphasised the need for the L. I to be repealed as soon as possible.
“In just one year since the passage of LI 2462, 22 percent of the forest area has been given out in mining leases including two of the three globally significant biodiversity areas. We call for a repeal of this law.
“The Forestry Commission has stated that 34 out of the 288 reserves have been affected. These are areas where we have significant illegal mining. The total area mapped is about 4726.2 hectares,” he stated.
He also called on all members to support the cause to ensure that the country’s resources are protected.
Meanwhile, the Gethsemane PCG YPG protested the menace on Sunday, September 15. Dressed in red attire and holding placards, they expressed their dissatisfaction with the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, aligning with a broader call by the national YPG
